Novgorod

Novgorod – 3 hours drive from St. Petersburg and you will find yourself in a different world. Rural peaceful landscapes, old city walls, which we call “Kremlin” in Russian, many medieval white orthodox churches with authentic frescos and an amazing city museum filled with unique artefacts and gold. Once Novgorod was extremely powerful capital of Novgorodian Russian principality, an independent and democratic (!) medieval country. This is probably the oldest Russian town – more than a thousand years of history. Now it is a beautiful place to visit, a town, which shows you traditional Russian culture and lifestyle.

Itinerary

7:00     Departure from the hotel

10:00     Meeting with Novgorodian guide

10:30 – 14.00   Tour of the Novgorod Kremlin, St. Sofia Cathedral visit, monument to the Millennium of Russia, History museum with unique artefacts.

Walk along the streets with the churches dating back to 12^th-14^th century

Visit to Transfiguration church of Our Savior on Ilina Street, 14^th century, original frescoes by Theophanes the Greek, Byzantine artist. ( the only place where they survived)

14.00-15.00 Lunch (at your own expenses)

15.30 – 19.00 Visit to Yuriev monastery (12^th centrury) and its gorgeous St. Georges cathedral.

Visit to museum of Wooden Architecture – you will see authentic Russian wooden houses and churches, traditional log cabins called “izba”, find out about life of peasants, see their interiors, furniture, other things.

19.00 – Departure to St. Petersburg